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Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces COVID-19 Deaths by 64%
23 February 2021 16:48
This is yet another study that confirms the critical role that vitamin D has in reducing the risk of Covid-19 causing severe life-threatening illness. Dr Mercola’s newsletters are recommended as they often highlight important scientific findings: A Spanish study found giving supplemental vitamin D3 (calcifediol) to hospitalized patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 — in addition to standard care — reduced ICU admissions by 82% and mortality by 64%… Read the full article -
The Truth About Cancer: A Global Quest
Apelles Econs06 June 2018 10:51
If you wanted to get a “heretical” viewpoint on current treatments for cancer, check this series from the US. The public awareness has reached a tipping point and seems to be forcing Medicine to face some unpalatable truths. Personally I believe we can be very positive about the changes doctors are having to make on their approach to disease because this awareness has started gaining momentum in our medical schools; doctors have at last started recognising the futility of treating the body with chemical agents, which, at substantial cost, offer no “curative” effect. View video: The -
Wet Wipes Could Be Associated With Allergies
Hazel Econs 29 May 2018 14:48
The Science Daily reports on the findings of a dermatologist who highlights that the preservative in many pre-moistened wet wipes is linked to a dramatic rise in allergic reactions. A chemical referred to as MI (methylisothiazolinone) is commonly used in many water-based products such as liquid soaps, hair shampoo, sunscreen, laundry products and cleaners as well as pre-moistened personal hygiene products and baby wipes. The reaction can be red, raised, itchy skin. Commonly areas affected by the allergic reaction are hands and fingers, from handling the wipes and babies bottoms, faces and hands from using -
Coping With Dust Mite Allergy
Hazel Econs26 April 2018 10:49
Out comes the sun and we want to fling open the windows, having been cooped up at home for so many months. For those, who suffer with hay fever, that is not possible because with the pollen and rape seed the sneezing begins so they keep their windows shut. However, for others being indoors any time of the year they suffer with itchy eyes, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose – this could be because of dust mite allergy. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed on house dust and moisture in the air. They are one of the most common -
Urban Pollution Caused By Everyday Products
Hazel Econs02 March 2018 09:36
A report in The Guardian (16.02.18) talked about the growing source of urban pollution from household chemical products, perfumes, paints, formaldehyde and insecticides. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household cleaners, personal hygiene products, paints and glues researchers have found significantly affects the air pollution as many of these products come from refined petroleum. The compounds are an important contributor to air pollution because when they waft into the atmosphere they react with other chemicals to produce harmful ozones. This type of pollution is unregulated, unlike emissions from vehicles. This is all about bottles and containers in our -
ADHD or Food Intolerance
Hazel Econs09 February 2018 10:16
I recommend you to read an interesting article written by Dr. Russell Blaylock, an American neurosurgeon, author and lecturer. Dr Blaylock describes the case of a child with disruptive behaviour in school whose mother was told the child should be prescribed Ritalin if he was to continue at school. The child was tested for food intolerances with positive results. Once the foods were removed from his diet his behaviour changed completely and he was able to return to school. Please read: ADHD or Food Intolerance -
Eating Ourselves to Death and Others to Life
Hazel Econs 26 January 2018 19:21
Joe Leech, a young dietician in Australia, was feeling frustrated that he was answering so many questions about how to lose weight, what was the best diet, how to deal with irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, Type 2 diabetes when many of these problems were due to eating too many calories or too much of a food that were causing intolerances. In addition, despite his advice, obesity was an ever-growing problem. He equally was aware of the contrast that in Uganda and other developing counties, many people do not have enough to eat, the resources to educate their children -
Brilliant Wi-Fi Experiment Kills Cress
Hazel Econs24 January 2018 19:22
Five danish students set up a biology experiment that is so brilliant that it has attracted international attention amongst biologists and radiation experts. The experiment came about because the students identified that they were experiencing difficulty concentrating in school and sleeping if they had their phone next to their heads. The simple experiment was to place 400 cress seeds in twelve trays. Place six trays in two rooms at the same temperature, with the same amount of water and sunlight over 12 days. The only difference was that one room was exposed to two Wi-Fi routers which broadcast the -
Link between Aluminium & Autism?
Dr Ailsa Care22 January 2018 19:24
A recent published study led by Professor Christopher Exley at Keele University examined brain samples from patients with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who had died and compared them to samples from individuals without an ASD diagnosis. They measured how much aluminium was in the samples and used fluorescence techniques to identify where the aluminium was in the samples. Professor Exley is quoted as saying that he was surprised at the “extraordinarily high” levels of aluminium in the ASD affected samples. On the microscopy studies they were able to see lymph and blood cells carrying aluminium -
High Energy Drinks Affect Behaviour
Hazel Econs10 January 2018 19:51
An article in The Guardian last week reported that Waitrose are the first UK supermarket to ban the sale of high energy drinks to under 16’s because of the high level of sugar and caffeine they contain and the effect this is having on the behaviour of children. The teaching union NASUWT last month called for a ban on the sale of these drinks to under-16s. They were referred to as “legal highs” that helped to fuel bad behaviour in schools.The family of a 25 year old who committed suicide late last year, are -
Rock Star's Journey with Crohn's Disease
Hazel Econs08 January 2018 19:52
On the 28th November 2017, there was a documentary, On Tour with Crohn’s Disease, on Radio One Newsbeat about the challenges of living with Crohn’s. It followed Mark Holley, musician with the rock band Black Foxxes who was diagnosed with Crohn’s seven years ago. According to the NHS, in England the number of 15 to 29 year olds diagnosed has increased from 9,256 in 2007 to 29,624 in 2016. Age 29 is the most common age for being diagnosed with Crohn’s. Mark speaks openly about the struggles of trying -
Dying To Sleep
Hazel Econs04 January 2018 19:55
Professor Matthew Walker, a leading expert, originally from Liverpool and now director of the Centre of Human Sleep Science in California, revealed in an interview with the Guardian, that a lack of sleep in killing us. TV, computer screens, electric lights and poor work-life balance are some of the causes of sleep deprivation, defined as seven hours a night. This has been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and mental health issues. He recommends a non-negotiable eight hours sleep every night. Please read this enlightening article Sleep. -
Summary of the Big Health News in 2017
Dr Peter Latchman23 December 2017 21:00
Fasting is now recognised to have a major role in rekindling health. Taking vitamins in pregnancy reduces the risk of its complications. Vitamin D, apart from strengthening the bones, also helps to reduce risk of colds and chest infections. 10 portions of fruits and vegetables (800 gr) a day significantly reduces the risk of premature death. The "5 -a- day" was promoted as a step to the right direction. Eating fat improves your life expectancy (it reduces the risk of the most common causes of cancer). Staying fit with exercise and sports, reduces the risk of falls and fractures -
PPIs and risk of cancer (BMJ 4 November 2017)
Dr Apelles Econs12 November 2017 09:11
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have an increased risk to cause cancer (2.45 times). H2 antagonists (such as ranitidine) don't seem to have the same risk. Comment: I could not ascertain if the effects of long term, low grade inflammation associated with hiatus hernias, reflux, gastritis, gastric ulcers and duodenitis have been taken into account. One thing is certain: long term inflammation, even if it is suppressed, it is an "active" problem, whose mechanism can often be traced to simple "non-allergic" food sensitivities. -
NICE recommends: Avoid antibiotics for acute sinus infections (BMJ 4 November 2017)
Dr Apelles Econs08 November 2017 09:11
NICE new guidelines recommend oral decongestants and paracetamol for acute sinusitis and avoid antibiotcs. Tell this to a patient who has been unable to breath, with facial pain for a couple of weeks! Comment: I am not recommending antibiotics to patients with sinusitis because we often manage to prevent them having upper respiratory inflammation, using the positive effects of dietary changes, methods of desensitisation and sometimes, anti-ifungals (if molds are suspected). -
Proton Pump Inhibitors!
07 November 2017 14:10
British Medical Journall article 4th November 2017 states Increased risk of cancer from PPI’s (proton pump inhibitors) used for reflux. The journal Gut published research which indicates an increased risk for cancer of 2.44 times, associated with PPI’s for reflux, which was not found in the use of H2 antagonists, such as Ranitidine. I wonder if some of these findings have also been affected by the fact that any long term “suppressed” inflammation caused by the immune system, is in itself a risk factor for cancer? -
Sinus Infection Treatment
06 November 2017 14:11
A comment in the BMJ 4 November 2017 advised to avoid antibiotics for sinus infections. NICE new guidelines recommend oral decongestants and paracetamol for acute sinusitis and avoid antibiotics. Tell this to a patient who has been unable to breathe and has been suffering with facial pain for a couple of weeks!! I am not recommending antibiotics to patients with sinusitis, we are all too familiar with the problems with overuse of antibiotics. However, we often manage to prevent upper respiratory inflammation, using the positive effects of dietary changes, methods of desensitisation and sometimes, anti-fungals if moulds are suspected -
Allergy Growth & Allergy Causes
27 October 2017 14:12
Two fascinating articles written by SnackSafely.com about allergies, that I think you will appreciate reading. The first speaks of research that indicates that 45% of adults with food allergies develop them in adulthood. Nearly Half of Adults with Food Allergies Develop Them as Adults The second shows there are studies indicating that the causes of allergies involve a complex interplay between genetics and our environment. Hopefully this research and finding will lead to treatment of food allergies and even prevention. Genome Study Provides More Clarity on Genetic Causes of Food Allergy If you need help with your allergies of -
Scleroderma and Antibiotics
Dr Apelles Econs19 October 2017 16:41
We sporadically get enquiries if we treat scleroderma. We do. Whilst I have to admit that the condition is challenging both to the patient and the clinician, if it is an "immune" problem, it must be the result of a reactivity. Unsurprisingly, some people who are prepared to radically change their diet, to deal with any toxic load or infectious agents, seem to do well, in spite of expectations. I expect that the use of antibiotics such as minocycline (or clindamycin) will become more widespread in the near future. The outcomes are too good to ignore, they have the support -
Hooray! We can eat fat again (and live longer) - with the blessing of Medicine!
Dr Apelles Econs28 September 2017 14:54
Scanning the journals is my favourite section in BMJ. This time the tone is "humble", as Medicine is coming around, slowly, to accept that previous guidelines established on so-called "evidence" were, once more, flawed. The topic is on fats. a) eating fats is related to lower total mortality and does not affect cardio-vascular disease! As I have been telling my clients for years, it is those carbs that are doing the damage - sugars especially. The message is: we can abandon the "saturated fat-cardiovascular disease" hypothesis with some certainty. b) High fruit, vegetable and legume intake was associated -
Hooray! We can eat fat again (and live longer) - with the blessing of Medicine!
Dr Apelles Econs28 September 2017 14:54
Scanning the journals is my favourite section in BMJ. This time the tone is "humble", as Medicine is coming around, slowly, to accept that previous guidelines established on so-called "evidence" were, once more, flawed. The topic is on fats. a) eating fats is related to lower total mortality and does not affect cardio-vascular disease! As I have been telling my clients for years, it is those carbs that are doing the damage - sugars especially. The message is: we can abandon the "saturated fat-cardiovascular disease" hypothesis with some certainty. b) High fruit, vegetable and legume intake was associated -
Lady Gaga’s "Til It Happens to You"
27 September 2017 14:15
Lady Gaga’s hit track Til it Happens to You, although not written about her recent revelation on social media that she has Fibromyalgia (FMS), could aptly describe her experience of living with it. The condition is giving her such “severe physical pain that it has impacted her ability to perform” so she has had to cancel her European tour due to begin next week. FMS is a chronic condition that causes pain and swelling in points all over the body. It is hard to diagnose and treat and many people with the condition find it difficult -
Life Saving Allergy Puppy
19 September 2017 14:18
We have guide dogs, hearing dogs and now allergy dogs. We are all too aware how life-changing guide dogs and hearing dogs can be for their owners giving them their freedom and independence. Six year old boy, Mason, who has suffered thousands of allergic reactions, even anaphlayatic reactions that have been life threatening, is about to have his own ‘guardian’ in the shape of a Golden Retriever called Storm. Storm is being trained to detect changes in Mason that are a sign he is about to have an allergic reaction and to warn Mason and others around -
Welcome to our new website!
29 August 2017 09:26
We hope that this new format will give the visitor some helpful insights into our methods and range of investigations and treatments available in our Clinic. The information is by no means "exhaustive"; there are sections such as the management of atherosclerosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and gynaecological or urological conditions, which are yet to be added. If you have some comments on how to improve the presentation or content, please feel welcome to drop us a line. In the meantime, this section aims to share news relevant to our specialty on "environmental influences on human health" and highlight some advances -
Peanut Allergy Breakthrough
23 August 2017 14:20
An allergy to peanuts is recognised as one of the most severe food allergies due to its prevalence, persistency and potential severity of allergic reaction which can result in anaphylaxis. The principle treatment at the moment is the use of an Epipen injection which must be carried at all times. However, Australian researchers have carried out a small clinical trial which has seen positive results in 82% of the children on the trial who had received the immunotherapy treatment had become tolerant to peanuts. At Allergy Medical UK we are aware of how effective immunotherapy is in ‘re-educating -
Alternative Treatments for those with Allergies
31 July 2017 14:22
A number of British allergy specialists were recently asked to share their views on allergy, its management and any optional measures to prevent it. Their views have been published in the magazine of Champneys, a group of health resorts well known for promoting healthy living. It is quite clear that, whilst a number of safe and effective methods of prevention of allergies exists, only a fraction of doctors in the UK know of them, recommend them or use them. Read Champneys article: Alternative treatments for those with allergies -
Surprise, surprise! Mediterranean diet may be reducing risk of Alzheimer's
Dr Econs25 July 2017 11:08
I must have seen at least 10 studies in the last two years that extol the virtues of eating lots of salads, vegetables, olive oil and fish, excluding most other common foods in order to reduce the risk of dementia or improve mental faculties, when Alzheimer's has been diagnosed. In a way this is not as extra-ordinary as it sounds: similar diets have been proven effective in reversing several so-called "auto-immune" diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease; in clinics like ours, they have been used because they are known to help people with -
Can Diet Help Alzheimer's?
19 July 2017 14:24
Surprise, surprise! Mediterranean diet may be reducing risk of Alzheimer's. I must have seen at least 10 studies in the last two years that extol the virtues of eating lots of salads, vegetables, olive oil and fish, excluding most other common foods in order to reduce the risk of dementia or improve mental faculties, when Alzheimer's has been diagnosed. In a way this is not as extraordinary as it sounds: similar diets have been proven effective in reversing several so-called "auto-immune" diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease. In clinics like ours, such diets -
B Vitamins Fight Pollution
Dr Econs12 July 2017 13:22
In 2015 the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) estimated that diesel "particulates" are directly and indirectly responsible for an average of 52,000 deaths per annum in Britain, mainly associated with severe asthma, cardio-vascular disease and cancer. For people understanding the role of nutrition in human health, it will not come as a surprise to hear that another group of essential nutrients such as the vitamin B's have a protective effect against changes in the immune system and free radical damage, which are known to initiate serious, life threatening health problems. View B vitamins -
Asthma Awareness
02 July 2017 14:46
I couldn’t help but be touched by the recent item on the BBC news about the death four years ago of Lisa Dennis at the age of 10 years. Lisa died following an asthma attack. Although she had an inhaler for an allergy, her parents were not aware she was an asthmatic. According to her family the word “asthma” was never mentioned. Dr Satish Rao of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, who looks after difficult asthma cases, says “one of the biggest frustrations for us is the complacency among healthcare professionals about asthma in -
Cupcakes are not all good!
13 June 2017 14:48
Cupcakes have become extremely popular, thanks to Mary Berry to a large extent. As delicious as they may be, one in particular has caused a rise in a food allergies. The red velvet cupcake contains cochineal as its food colourant. Cochineal is an insect, mainly found in South America and Mexico, that produces carmine acid to deter its predators. This acid can be extracted from the body and eggs of the insect and when mixed with aluminium or calcium salts makes the carmine dye or cochineal. This is used primarily as a food colourant and